On the recordApril 17, 2018
As Americans file their taxes today, it is the very last time they will do so under the old, unfair Tax Code. Thanks to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, hardworking Americans are already seeing the benefits of lower tax rates and a stronger economic growth: take-home pay has increased; companies are investing in infrastructure, R&D, and people, with billions of dollars in bonuses and pay increases, and even enhanced benefits. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act also makes our Tax Code less complex and makes the process of filing out our tax returns easier and less daunting. This time next year, in addition to most Americans paying less in taxes, most Americans will find that the tax forms are simpler and the process less complex. Even so, Mr. Speaker, tax day will still come, and people across this country will still need to turn to the IRS for help and for answers about their taxes. That is why I am here today to speak in support of H.R. 5440. This bipartisan legislation, introduced together with my colleague from Arizona, Representative O'Halleran, whom I thank, holds the IRS accountable for putting its customers, the taxpayers, first. IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers provide important services to taxpayers. Through over 300 centers across the country, millions of Americans receive free, personal, in-person tax assistance each year. All too often, however, these centers are closed with little to no notice, leaving taxpayers to generally fend for themselves. H.R.…
